Diversifying approaches to research on athlete–coach relationships

Abstract

To present a new methodological strategy for the exploration of interpersonal dynamics in athlete–coach dyads. Analytical research—review of methodological approaches to studying athlete–coach dyads. The following directions for future research were identified: (a) diversifying units of analysis and considering multiple units of analysis in studying interpersonal relationships; (b) shifting the methodological and conceptual focus from the individual to interindividual unit of analysis; (c) diversifying theoretical frameworks that can be used to understand athlete–coach relationships; (d) diversifying methodological approaches to examining athlete–coach dyads, which will allow for matching specific research problems with appropriate methodological solutions; (e) considering a more general framework of inquiry that suits the emerging field of interpersonal relationships in sport; and (f) diversifying the phenomena under study (e.g. including interpretation and meanings, diversifying issues and populations). The athlete–coach relationship as a research territory is ‘topographically’ mapped out with concrete recommendations for future projects. Further, there is a need to maintain sport specificity of the theoretical models of athlete–coach dyads.